Book Review: “Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen
Whether you’ve heard of the book or not, you’ve probably heard about the movie starring Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson (the Twilight guy). I haven’t seen the movie (and probably won’t) but you should read the book. Here’s why…
Told by Jacob Jankowski, the reader gets to experience one crazy summer of what life was like for a member of the circus during the Great Depression. Jacob is an old man reflecting on how he traded the Ivy League life for that of a traveling circus man. Along the way, Jacob meets very memorable characters and witnesses some horrifying events.
Jacob is a 90+ year old man who spends his very lonely days in a nursing home. His life is predictable, stale, and dissatisfying. Jacob gets through his monotonous days by remembering “the good ole days” of his youth, specifically the summer he worked for the obnoxiously-named Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. During his adventures, Jacob meets Camel (a circus worker/drunk), Walter (aka Kinko the clown), Uncle Al (circus owner/Ringling Bros. wannabe), Marlena (enchanting performer), Rosie (headlining elephant), and August (a real schmuck).
As the summer progresses and the circus nears bankruptcy, Jacob falls in love with Marlena, August becomes abusive to Marlena, Jacob, and Rosie, Uncle Al’s list of enemies grows exponentially, and someone ends up as dead as a doornail. Crimes are committed, friendships develop, and some very angry circus workers get their revenge.
Don’t see the movie…or at least don’t see it before reading the book. “Water for Elephants” is exciting, thrilling, and a must-read this summer. Visit your local bookstore and pick it up. You won’t regret it.
Happy readings ~ Cherry
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